Let me start by saying I would give These Dreams a 10 star rating if I could. I’ve read and loved all of Nicole Clarkston’s books, but so far this is her best novel and it only proves that talent can produce amazing books, but talent and experience are the recipe for memorable stories such as this one.

In These Dreams, after locating Wickham and arranging everything for his marriage to Lydia Bennet, Mr. Darcy is abducted and taken to Portugal where a mysterious plotline will be developed and new interesting and original characters will make their first appearance.

Darcy will of course return to England, but some parts of the book occur in Portugal and as a portuguese I have to say that it is clear the author did a great job at historical and linguistic research. Everything on the portuguese settings is perfectly accurate, and reading words such as “Amo-te” and “saudade” so well placed in the dialogues warmed my heart. Bravo Nicole Clarkston!

I believe some readers may consider the first part of the book a bit angsty but the intensity of Darcy and Elizabeth’s feelings for one another, and the very special way they were connected, make it a very romantic novel that is pleasing even for those who don’t normally tolerate angst, even because the moments between Darcy and Elizabeth after they are reunited are worth all the angst lived until that moment.

I personally love angsty books so this one was just my cup of tea! I consider These Dreams perfect in every way and I honestly cannot point one single thing I didn’t enjoy. If I have to point something out, it is the fact that there isn’t a prequel written yet. (I’m really cheering for a prequel about Col. Fitzwilliam and Amália 🙂 )

The book is quite long but the cliff-hangers at the end of each chapter and the connections to the subsequent chapters kept me interested until the very end, making it seem a very fast read. In fact, the connection between the ending of one chapter and the beginning of another is part of why I love Nicole Clarkston’s writing so much, these little details in her writing make These Dreams a gripping book.

Apart from Elizabeth and Darcy’s love story, which was profound, solid and beautiful, I absolutely LOVED Col. Fitzwilliam’s love story and love interest! Amália was an incredible character and I wish the author will some day dedicate a book to her and the Colonel. I kept wishing the next chapter would be about them, and sometimes, I even forgot about Darcy and Elizabeth, which says a lot!

These Dreams is a masterfully written story, full of layers and twists that will keep the reader interested until the last page. The character development was incredible, not only when it comes to Darcy and Elizabeth, but also concerning secondary characters like Lydia and Wickham and even original characters such as Amália and her father.

The book approaches several interesting subjects like PTSD, patriotist, religion, honour, trust and love that only add to its complexity and contribute to place These Dreams amongst the best JAFF books out there.

This is a book that should not be missed and I can not recommend it enough for those who like quality literature, mystery and romance.

another find joy, while she lives her own days in empty regrets over what might

have been. Believing Darcy lost forever, she closes her heart against both pain

and happiness, but finds no escape from her dreams of him.

Nicole Clarkston is a book lover and a happily married mom of three. Originally from Idaho, she now lives in Oregon with her own romantic hero, several horses, and one very fat dog. She has loved crafting alternate stories and sequels since she was a child watching Disney’s Robin Hood, and she is never found sitting quietly without a book of some sort.

Nicole discovered Jane Austen rather by guilt in her early thirties―how does any book worm really live that long without a little P&P? She has never looked back. A year or so later, during a major house renovation project, she discovered Elizabeth Gaskell and fell completely in love. Her need for more time with these characters led her to simultaneously write Rumours & Recklessness, a P&P inspired novel, and No Such Thing as Luck, a N&S inspired novel. Both immediately became best selling books. The success she had with her first attempt at writing led her to write three other novels that are her pitiful homage to two authors who have so deeply inspired her.

Nicole Clarkston would like to offer 10 eBook copies of These Dreams to readers following the blog tour.

Readers may enter the drawing by tweeting once a day and daily commenting on a blog post or review that has a giveaway attached for the tour. Entrants must provide the name of the blog where they commented. Remember: Tweet and comment once daily to earn extra entries.

A winner may win ONLY 1 (ONE) eBook of These Dreams by Nicole Clarkston. Each winner will be randomly selected by Rafflecopter and the giveaway is international.

Don’t include me in the give-a-way… I have the book and I just wanted to comment. I love Nicole’s work and I simply loved this story and absolutely swoon when I think about this Darcy and Elizabeth. It was 5-stars for me… all the way! Wow!! That is all I can say… just wow!

It is, and yet it is not. In another bizarre twist of Amazon and plagiarism and copyright, I got flagged yesterday to verify ownership and publication rights to the book. They have accepted my evidence, but the link was pulled down temporarily. It should be back again soon.

Fabulous review, Rita. You did an excellent job giving enough details to entice and draw in readers without giving any spoilers. Very good. I loved your assessment and I agree 100%. It is one of the very best books I have read. It is quality reading!

Thank you Janet! I find it is easier to do a spoiler free review when the book has so many interesting aspects to point out. It is not just the excellence of the characters, but everything else in it :)) This book is perfect!!!

Thank you, Janet! And thank you for egging me on the whole time. I hope I haven’t caused you heartburn or gray hair, but I treasure your support and encouragement. That is to say nothing of that cover! I still shiver every time I see it!

Oh… I really fell in love with the Colonel! He was the perfect hero in this book. I think I even prefer him to Darcy on this one, not because Darcy isn’t Darcy, but because the Colonel is just the perfect man in this story when it comes to my standards and preferences. And I obviously loved Amália! I think she is perfect for him, especially once she grows out of her fears :)))

What a perfect review Rita. I agree with every word. The connection between Darcy and Elizabeth is swoonworthy. You know me Rita and my aversion to angst but I’m obviously getting to like it more as this book was amazing. One to ‘re read several times.
Please don’t enter me in the giveaway.

Thank you Glynis. You know I love angst, but I was sure that even people who don’t usually like it would love this book, because there are always several tender moments that will fill the hearts of readers, and the story just gets in our bones and we cannot let it go until we finish, right?

These Dreams is rich in complexity and suspense. I loved Col. Fitzwilliam’s undying support for Darcy and his own struggles with love.Simply an amazing book! (I already have it so no need to enter me in the contest.)

Oh, Nicole, another book with your classic angst and romance? I’m in. I’m an angst lover like Rita, and your books have just the right touch of it to appeal to all readers, even the angst weenies. And swoony romance, too. I have so many good books in my “unread” file in my Kindle I was going to try to read a few others before this one. But if Rita says it’s her fave ever of your books, I have to read it soon. Thanks, Rita, for an excellent review that teases the reader and tells enough to entice.

Exquisite book, I simply can’t praise it enough!!!!! Such an original plot, so complex and full of twists and mystery, and what a bond between Elizabeth and Darcy! Magnificent! Thanks for writing this amazing story, Nicole, and thanks, Rita, for the beautiful post and everything else. Please don’t enter me in the giveaway, I’ve already devoured this gorgeous book. Best wishes on the blog tour, Nicole, and I hope your muse is busy busy busy.

I believe it is your turn, milady! I dearly hope you have something in the works. I’m still starry-eyed from The Unthinkable Triangle! Thank you so much for stopping by, Joana. Cornwall is calling my name… one of these days!

I have been saving this for a day free from physical therapists, nurses, rehab and doctor’s appointments. I know it is long and full of angst and want to be able to read as much as possible in one day as I don’t know if I would sleep with Darcy thought to be dead and a prisoner undergoing torture!